Congress Passes And Trump Signs Continuing Resolution

Last week, Congress passed a resolution that will continue funding the federal government through Friday, Dec. 22. President Trump signed the continuing resolution. The president and congressional leaders are now negotiating over a two-year budget deal.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the annual MLN Matters update that includes Medicare deductible, coinsurance and premium rates for 2018. CMS previously released a fact sheet containing additional details. Medicare Part A includes a 1.8 percent increase on deductibles and coinsurance and 2.2 percent increase in premium prices. Additional highlights include the following.

Medicare Part A

deductible – $1,340, an increase of $24 over 2017

coinsurance

61st - 90th day – $335 per day for an increase of $6

91st - 150th day (lifetime reserve days) – $670 per day for an increase of $12

21st - 100th day for skilled nursing facility services – $167.50 per day for an increase of $3

premium

base premium – $422 per month, an increase of $9

BP with 10 percent surcharge – $464.20 per month, an increase of $9.90

BP with 45 percent reduction for those who have 30 - 39 quarters of coverage – $232 per month, an increase of $5

Free Opioid Training Available

A free, clinician-focused training session on managing the opioid crisis is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in St. Charles, Mo. The training is funded through the Opioid State Targeted Response grant and sponsored by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Institute for Mental Health and Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Healthcare. Registration is required.

MHA Joins Hospital Association Amicus Contesting 340B Reductions

MHA was one of 32 state hospital associations filing a joint amicus brief in support of the American Hospital Association’s challenge to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ final rule proposing catastrophic cuts in the 340B program. The AHA is seeking an injunction to stay implementation of the rule pending its legal challenge to CMS’ authority to enact the reductions. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 21.

The amicus brief filed by MHA and other state hospital associations provided evidence to the court of the drastic effects of the proposed cuts. The brief focused on the wide variety of comprehensive and targeted services that hospitals are able to offer because of the program, as well as the lack of access to lifesaving treatment for patients and jobs that will be lost if the reductions are allowed to take effect.

Consider This ...

When alcohol is mixed with caffeine, the caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, making drinkers feel more alert than they would otherwise. As a result, they may drink more alcohol and become more impaired than they realize, increasing the risk of alcohol-attributable harms.